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News Release - January 13, 2012

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Governor Quinn Urges Illinoisans to Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service“Serve Illinois” Website Offers More than 100,000 Volunteer Opportunities

CHICAGO, Illinois – Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinoisans to take part in the Dr/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service this Monday, January 16. The theme of the service day is “A Day On, Not a Day Off.”

“Dr. King’s life was dedicated to service, and, in his memory, we should each strive to give back to our communities,” Governor Quinn said. “We all have something to contribute and share to make our neighborhoods, state and country a better place.”

Persons interested in giving back to their community can use the Serve.Illinois.gov website to be connected with more than 70,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois. Volunteers can use the Serve Illinois website to connect with opportunities based on location and area of interest. The search feature also generates results for ongoing, one-time, and even web-based volunteer opportunities.

“Volunteerism is a great way to honor Dr. King, his legacy and his vision,” said DHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. “I am proud and grateful to our community volunteers in our local DHS offices throughout the state.”

Along with listing thousands of volunteer opportunities, Serve Illinois also has several partner organizations that will be completing service projects, including:

Carbondale – Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, Rend Lake College - AmeriCorps members will be participating in a city wide clean-up in Carbondale.

Chicago – Project YES! – AmeriCorps members will be supporting the fifth annual literacy fair for youth and their families. Festivities include book reading, hands-on literacy activities and games.

Springfield – Springfield Urban League - AmeriCorps members will be partnering with Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to distribute preparedness information to educate the community about fire safety and prevention.

Visita www.Serve.Illinois.gov to find a volunteer opportunity, as well as information regarding the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Serve.Illinois.gov is a project of IDHS and the Serve Illinois Commission: "Building Stronger Communities Through Service."